It's some time since Kim Botelho (formerly Marshall) has represented Bermuda internationally but next week's World Amateur Team Golf Championships will be the scene of her comeback.

Partnered by rookies Laura Robinson and Ebonie Burgess, she will be carrying the Island's hopes in Puerto Rico, starting next Wednesday, when more than 50 countries compete for top honours at Rio Mar Country Club.

The event consists of four days of individual strokeplay after which the lowest two scores of each team will be added together for the final team tally and position. Despite being six months pregnant, Botelho is eager to get out on the greens and put her best forward for Bermuda.

"This is my first really big amateur tournament back. We have a young team but I hope we can do better than in previous years," she said unsure of the Island's best showing at the event.

"If we can come in the top 15 I think that would be very realistic and a pretty good accomplishment for us."

Having regained her amateur status in 2003 after two seasons as a pro and a stint working for the LPGA in between, the Bermudian has been practising hard to "get my game back in shape".

"My iron play is probably the strongest part of my game but I could always use work on my short game. If there's a weak part I guess I would say that's it. I could use some more short-game practice.

"I've been concentrating a lot on my short game and putting and getting really confident about that aspect and making sure it's strong when I go out there," she said.

At 29 ? or really 30 since she has a birthday on Saturday ? she is easily the veteran and most experienced of the trio.

Robinson and Burgess are in school in the USA so she has not had an opportunity to discuss the tournament with them. However, Botelho is confident things will work out well, noting she will be happy to help her team-mates if required.

"I have not seen them since June but they are playing golf at school. Laura is in university so she plays college golf while Ebonie is at the (David) Leadbetter Academy so she is getting quite a lot of experience there, playing in tournaments.

"I would say they are experienced as far as playing golf and being competitive but neither has been to an event of this calibre.

"If they have any questions I will be more than happy to help or advise them but I wouldn't want to push anything on them.

"I think it's just to let them feel it out. I'm sure they will be overwhelmed but we'll try to play together as a team and hope for the best."